Mud, Sludge and Pearly Whites

It’s camping season and you know what that means? Aside from fun and frolics at the main stage of a festival or mini fry-up on the family camping stove, many of us will have to contend with hour long bathroom queues, mud up to our knees and dubious shower cubicles. Who’s idea was it to stay in a field again? While roughing it is all part and parcel of the experience, your teeth need not suffer also, it’s amazing how much more refreshed you’ll feel cleaning your pearls after a long day.

As part of our research we spoke to several regular festival goers, and family camping enthusiasts to examine their oral health routines while on a short break in the English countryside. Angharad admitted to using sticks and tissue to clean her teeth when away. “It’s not ideal,” she said “But it beats the big queue for the bathroom.” “A bottle of water and a spit outside the tent,” laughed Jessie “The kids love it, and even compete on distance.”

Sarah told us that once she was in line for the bathroom at Glasto and dropped her toothbrush in the mud, “It was the first day,” she told us “And I spent the rest of the week debating the grotesqueness of fuzzy teeth vs the risk of a stomach bug, this time around I’m investing in some disposable brushes!”

So what are disposable tooth brushes? Do they do a good enough job? Here’s our advice

Brand

While there is no shortage of bunk purchase options from international sellers it’s important the one you choose meets UK safety regulations. Some, but by no means all imports, have been known to lose their bristles. And good oral health means choosing one which will have soft yet firm bristles. We recommend you go with a known brand.

Other options include chewable brushes, these don’t even need water and can be moved around in your mouth to clear away food debris discreetly yet effectively.

With or without paste

Some nifty products even include toothpaste built in, this can be handy when you’re armed only with a bottle of water. You can also purchase mini toothpaste tubes from your dentist or local chemist. Michelle told us, “Chewable brushes are the way forward, I always carry a couple with me to ensure I’m not caught out.”

Which ever product you choose, we recommend brushing twice a day at least for two minutes at a time. While there have been numerous studies into the effectiveness of electric, manual and disposable brushes, evidence suggests technique and regularity are far more important than style when it comes to keeping healthy teeth and gums.

If you’re going away and want further advice in the pros and cons of disposable brushes why not ask your dentist or contact us to book your Consultation or regular check-up on 0121 711 2424